And I had no idea it took place in Galway. Holy shit what a punch in the heart. The entire first episode was like going back to my old neighborhood. I almost lost it when one of the characters name-dropped Roisin Dubh. I knew all those places. God I was so stupid when I was there. I couldn't see the forest for the trees, I couldn't realize how wonderful an experience I was having and would never have again.

I know I shouldn't say it--my books are doing well, I have a great house, a great dog, a beautiful nephew and two more on the way, I'm here, in the States, close to my family--but fuck me if this show made me want to throw it all away and go back there.

And not for her. She's gone, she's moved on, busy and happy in Dublin a lifetime away. I just loved Galway, there at the ragged edge of Europe, living in an apartment that felt like it could slide off into the sea, wandering aimlessly and drunk on rain-soaked streets between tiny, primary color shops.

My heart aches. It really aches.